David Paul was named today as KHOU’s (Channel 11) chief meteorologist, filling the vacancy created by the sudden departure in November of Gene Norman.

David Paul

Paul, who has been with the station for 15 years, will work the 4, 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. The station will hire a fourth meteorologist to join Paul, Chita Johnson and Mario Gomez, but news director Phil Bruce said Paul will work the afternoon and evening newscasts for the time being.

“Everyone says they do a national search, but we really did,” Bruce said. “We brought in people from all over the country, including several from The Weather Channel and from some big city affiliates. There were a lot of good contenders, but we decided we had the best guy here. He grew up here and knows Gulf Coast weather and the city and the people.

“Plus, David has a great love for this city and people. He loves being here, and that comes across. He doesn’t have to act or put on airs. He’s one of the people who come across the same in person as they do on TV.”

Paul moved to Houston at age 2 with his family, and Susan McEldoon, the station’s president and general manager, said that fact “combined with his experience, delivery and knowledge made him the clear choice” for the job.”

Paul worked on the station’s morning newscasts for more than 15 years before moving to the afternoon broadcasts prior to Norman’s departure. He is a graduate of Westfield High School and holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Mississippi State.

Meanwhile, Gene Norman checked in today to let us know that he has started his own company in Houston to deal with weather-related topics.

Here’s his message: “It has been an honor for me to help Houstonians deal with severe weather. I’m looking forward to expanding my role as a severe weather expert for the Houston area and beyond. As I continue to pursue media opportunities I am developing services to help people deal with severe weather incidents through my web site genenormanweather.com.

According to the site, Norman has started a company called Wise Weather, which he describes as “a full service weather consulting firm providing a precision range of services including research, expert weather testimony, and safety talks.” It also hosts his blog, which launched at the first of the new year, and his Twitter feed, @genenormanwx.

And, yes, the Norman Number, which was his system of categorizing local weather conditions, lives on.